Senior Crop Science Researcher – Sustainable Ag Innovation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Access to advanced research facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Researcher to join our Crop Science and Agronomy division in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will design and execute field and laboratory experiments to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and farming practices, collaborating with a team of scientists.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in a related field, 5+ years of research experience, and strong data analysis skills. Travel to field sites and proficiency with modern agtech are valued in this position.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in crop science or agronomy, with emphasis on experimental design and data analysis.
• Proven experience in conducting field trials and interpreting results.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and experimental design principles (R/SAS/SPSS).
• Experience with modern agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture or remote sensing, is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to publish research findings.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and greenhouse trials to evaluate crop performance.
• Conduct laboratory analyses on plant tissues, soil samples, and environmental data.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software to interpret results.
• Develop and refine best practices for crop management including planting, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements in crop science, genetics, and agronomy.
• Contribute to development of new crop varieties and breeding programs.
• Prepare technical reports and research papers for publication and conferences.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and product developers.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and technical staff.

Skills

Plant physiology

Soil science

Experimental design

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD or Master’s in Agronomy/Plant Science

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Researcher to join our Crop Science and Agronomy division in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will design and execute field and laboratory experiments to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and farming practices, collaborating with a team of scientists.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in a related field, 5+ years of research experience, and strong data analysis skills. Travel to field sites and proficiency with modern agtech are valued in this position.